Changing the Narrative

Egor’s LGBT Community under attack by Traditional Rulers

January 29, 2018

The LGBT Community in Egor local government area of Edo State is under attack.

Leadership Newspaper is reporting that the traditional rulers in the area have placed curses on gay people and same-sex marriages in an effort to “curb increase in the rate of homosexuality” in the area.

In a chat with the press, The Ochie Egor, Chief Nathaniel Enyeula, who is also Chairman of Egor Traditional Rulers said the traditional institution and police authorities are working round the clock to arrest community members and that the chiefs courted the services of the Priest of Owema, the highest deity in Egor for traditional libations.

He added that the chiefs alongside the police, went to the homes of different families between the hours of 12 midnight to 1:00am, where their children have been “involved in homosexuality,” but failed to renounce pouring libation.

This comes on the heels of the arrest of four persons in the community in February 2016 on alleged sodomy charges. The Police Area Commander, CSP Ekor Ukpeh who also spoke to newsmen said two of the individuals arrested had “jumped bail.” He showed them their pictures and said once they are re-arrested “it would send fears into those still committing this shameful act against nature.”

The passing of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) in January 2014 has put Nigeria’s LGBT community under attack; from Federal to State levels.